The Children’s Pool in La Jolla has long been a topic of controversy. Although the city currently has a “shared use” policy, many people are still not mindful of the rules and regulations attached to it. The “shared use” policy was agreed upon as a resolution to benefit both the seals and the people of San Diego, but it has not been taken seriously by some people, just like the beachgoer in the picture you ran (Jan. 16).

Just because a beach is shared does not mean that the seals should be disrupted, especially during the pupping season. The authorities who are supposed to enforce the regulations should be empowered to do so by the City Council once and for all. Close encounters with the seals may put people in danger. Closing off the whole pool for a certain amount of time during the pupping season is not a bad idea. That way, the seals may stay at the pool to keep them away from dangers of human disruption, as well as strong waves and currents during the winter or rainy season.

JOHN GOMEZ

Eighth-grader

Oak Valley Middle School

San Diego

I strongly object to your editorial opinion expressed in “Protect the seals” on Jan. 16. Ellen Browning Scripps built this curved breakwater/pier many decades ago – for the enjoyment of the children in La Jolla. I have enjoyed swimming there many times since the early ‘30s.

The seals can find many other places to go along a 1,000-mile coastline.

Please, let’s get this lovely beach cleaned up and return it to the purpose for which it was originally intended.

NANCY F. BROWN

Carlsbad

Our wildlife spaces disappear at an alarming rate all over the world but especially in Southern California. Transforming the Children’s Pool in La Jolla to a marine mammal park is vital.

As a beach person, scuba diver and animal advocate, I have been at the Children’s Pool and observed firsthand the cruelty of humans toward the seals. Last summer, I saw high school boys crossing the ropes and throwing Frisbees back and forth, seeing how far they could go in intimidating the seals.

The seals have no voice, but we do. We have so many beaches for people in Southern California. I hope and trust that San Diego City Council members will do the right thing and establish a marine mammal park. Think of the education for our kids and think of the moral rightness of this act.

MARY HOLLE

Encinitas

I have been fuming ever since I read the editorial. Has the writer no regard for the will of the people?

Has the writer of the editorial ever considered that seals are not on the endangered species list or that sharks are attracted to seals, and we do have humans who like to scuba-dive nearby?

The money that has been spent on continual lawsuits could have been used to clean up the beach long ago.

One last thing. I am glad I grew up in San Diego when you could go there day or night and watch the ocean, swim and walk across the beach.